By Edward Chaykovsky
British star Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) says he was very close to reaching a deal with Manny Pacquiao - before the Filipino star reached an agreement to face WBC/WBA welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (48-0, 26KOs) on May 2nd.
A few months ago, Khan and Pacquiao met face to face in London and discussed the possibility of a fight. Khan was trying to get in the ring with Mayweather, who turned the British boxer down. Pacquiao was open to facing Khan - if the Mayweather talks fell apart.
Khan told Bolton News: "We were close to making it happen before he got the Mayweather fight. We spoke to each other and I think it might have happened if Mayweather hadn’t said yes to Manny."
Mayweather won a twelve round unanimous decision over Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He plans to return on September 12th at the same venue. Khan wants to face Mayweather in the fall.
"I think Mayweather saw his chance to fight Manny at the right time. We could all see it wasn’t the Manny we know that night. He was a bit short and not the same fighter he was a few years ago. Mayweather could have fought me or Manny and took the easier option," Khan said.